Use of an Authorized Top-Level Domain
Utah Code Section 63D-2-105
Beginning July 1, 2025, all governmental entities within the state of Utah must use an authorized top-level domain for their website address and the email addresses used by the entity and its employees.
As outlined below there are two ways to meet this requirement.
- Obtaining/registering your own top-level domain? - See below, How do I register for a .gov domain?.
- Requesting a subdomain from Utah.gov? - See below, How do I register for a .utah.gov subdomain?.
What is an Authorized Top-Level domain?
This will vary depending on the type of entity. However, the three authorized top-level domains are .gov, .edu, and .mil.
What are the benefits of using an Authorized Top-Level Domain?
Using an authorized top-level domain provides a sense of security to the people interacting with a governmental entity through the web. These domains are strictly controlled and only authorized and vetted entities can obtain domain registration on these platforms.
The .gov top-level domain is managed by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). It is available only to U.S.-based governmental organizations and publicly controlled entities. Applying for and receiving a .gov domain (examplecity.gov) is free of charge. However, you can anticipate paying for DNS, website, and email hosting services.
Using the .gov domain also provides increased security as follows:
- Uses multi-factor authentication for all accounts in the .gov registrar.
- All newly registered domains are preloaded, which requires browsers to only use a secure HTTPS connection with the websites on the domain.
- CISA administers the domain requirements to protect the integrity of .gov.
- A security contact can be added when registering a domain, making it easier for the public to contact the entity about potential security issues.
- Boosts public and Utah residents' trust that they are conducting business with government entities online and visiting official government websites.
Are there any exceptions?
A governmental entity may operate a website that uses a non-authorized top-level domain if it is clear that the site is not the primary site of the entity and one of the following is true:
- The site is solely for internal use and not intended for members of the public;
- The site is temporary and in use for less than one year;
- The site is related to an event, program, or informational campaign operated in partnership with a non-governmental organization.
Is it possible to obtain a waiver?
It is possible to request a waiver from the requirement if there are extraordinary circumstances under which the use of an authorized top-level domain would cause demonstrable harm to citizens or businesses and the executive director or chief executive of the governmental entity submits a written request to the Chief Information Officer of the State of Utah.
To submit a request for a waiver see the TLD Waiver Request form below.
Recommendations for domain/subdomain naming.
The Office of the CIO, Division of Technology Services (DTS) encourages cities and counties in the State of Utah to transition from legacy *.com, *.org, *.net, and *.us to a standardized *.utah.gov address registered and hosted by the State DTS office, as follows:
| Style | Examples |
|---|---|
| CityName.Utah.gov | sandy.utah.gov, delta.utah.gov, and farmington.utah.gov |
| CountyName.Utah.gov | duchesne.utah.gov, garfield.utah.gov, and kane.utah.gov |
For entities that register with *.utah.gov, the Office of the CIO will provide DNS services according to the established product offering. Additional resources and services such as web developers, pre-made web templates, site builder tools, and 24/7 helpdesk support are available as covered under the established rates.
For entities desiring to register with the federal government and host their own web address (direct to *.gov), the DTS office recommends entities use a standardized naming convention that includes Utah or UT, as follows:
| Style | Examples |
|---|---|
| CityNameUtah.gov,
CityNameUT.gov, or CityName-UT.gov |
rivertonutah.gov, draperutah.gov, and centervilleutah.gov
or lehi-ut.gov, applevalleyut.gov, taylorsvilleut.gov |
| CountyNameUtah.gov | webercountyutah.gov and daviscountyutah.gov |
On rare occasions, a shortened or abbreviated name of a major city may be used where it is widely understood and recognized and would not conflict with other common abbreviations, agency names, or major initiatives and programs, as follows:
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | slc.gov |
| West Valley City | wvc-ut.gov |
| New York City | nyc.gov |
How do I register for a .gov domain?
You can visit get.gov/registration to find out more details about the process.
If you need assistance you can contact CISA directly.
Phone: 1-877-734-4688
Email: registrar@dotgov.gov
If you have more questions, you can visit get.gov/help. This extensive help page covers most common questions.
How do I register a subdomain on the .utah.gov domain?
As another option to meet the .Gov requirement, eligible governmental entities within the state of Utah can register a subdomain on the .utah.gov domain, though pursuing your own .gov is the recommended route.
If your government entity is a Utah city/town, county, or special district and in addition to switching to a .gov domain, you also need assistance from the State Division of Technology Services (DTS) with running your email domain and services, then the recommended route is to submit for a .utah.gov subdomain.
There are no charges for the .utah.gov subdomain and you will receive the following services:
- Manage: Host, A Record, MX, alias, CNAME, TXT, and PTR records, etc.
- Host newly registered DNS domains and manage DNS records.
- Delegate subdomains per agency request.
- Manage changes to DNS entries.
- Provide instructions for registering new DNS names.
Note: this is just DNS services and not website hosting.
Note: These services are still being outlined by DTS and will be available soon.
To begin the request process for a .utah.gov subdomain see the Utah Subdomain Request form below.